I say,if you like it ,buy it. Low mileage? Vanagon automatic transmissions
are almost bullit proof.If you need a new one,so what? They are cheap and
easy. If the trest ofthevan is good,go ahead and buy it.Check teh overflow
tank for green antifreeze.A no no. Use a natifreeze tester to check the
concentration.If it is way below a 50-50 mix,suspect a head gasket leak.I
suspect many years of sitting for your Vanagon. Start it up and let it run
for 45 minutes. Shift it through the gears while it is idleing.Over and
over  shift to P-R-N-2-1-3,OOPs I mean PNDR312.No,P1RN32. No,well,you know
what I mean.The valve body is most likely very dirty with gooy stuff.Get
Sea Foam trans tune(accept no substitute!!)at advance auto, and pour it in.
Step back and wait. Ka-Boommmmmmmmmmmm.................... ?Trans all
better.Thats allI can tell from here with what you have said. Then shop my
ebay store  for trim items.Roger